Gozo Island Information, Advice & Guides What is it? Where is it? How do you get there? What is Gozo? Gozo is part of the Maltese archipelago, a group of islands, three of which are inhabited. Malta is the largest inhabited island and Comino the smallest (although it’s barely inhabited and has just one hotel!). Where is Gozo? Find Italy on a map and follow the ‘boot’ down to the ‘football’ that is Sicily. Look south of Sicily to find a small cluster of islands in the heart of the Mediterranean. The largest of these is Malta. Gozo is the smaller island 3 miles to its north. How big is Gozo? Part of Gozo’s appeal lies in the fact that nowhere is ever far away – handy when there’s so much to pack in. Locals will tell you that no village is more than 10 or 15 minutes by car (unless you get stuck behind a tractor). The island is around one third the size of Malta, covering just 26 square miles. From east to west at its widest point Gozo is 9 miles across and about 6 miles north to south.

You can drive from the spectacular Azure Window in the West to St Anthony’s Battery at its most easterly point in just 30 minutes. How to get to Gozo Flying to Malta There’s no international airport on Gozo, so you’ll need to fly in to Malta’s Luqa airport. The national airline, Air Malta, offers low-cost flights connecting Malta with all major airports in Europe (including the UK), North Africa and the Middle East. From the UK, flights take three to 3½ hours. You can find out more about the other airlines operating scheduled flights to Malta at . From airport to harbour Once in Malta, it takes around 45 minutes by taxi to reach Cirkewwa Harbour Ferry Terminal (Malta’s northernmost point). Taxis are available from the airport. Alternatively, the Arriva bus service (the X1) operates regularly between 0515 and 2230. It may be slower (the journey takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes) but it’s a really low cost way of getting to the ferry. Prefer to avoid the ferry? Travel to Mgarr via seaplane from Valletta’s Grand Harbour.

It’s a quicker option than the ferry, with the journey to Valetta taking around 20 minutes by airport taxi or hire car. There’s a regular bus service too. From Malta to Gozo From the Cirkewwa Harbour, the regular, comfortable and inexpensive Gozo Ferry carries passengers and cars on a 25-minute scenic crossing to Gozo’s Mgarr harbour. Reaching your Gozo holiday accommodation From Mgarr, your Gozo holiday accommodation should be no more than 10 to 20 minutes away by hire car or taxi. You’ll also find bus services here to take you to your village. Alternatively, we can arrange a taxi to collect you from the harbour and take you directly to your Gozo holiday home. Our 5* Direct Transfer Service Make your transfer to Gozo even easier. Let us take you from the door of the airport to the door of your Gozo holiday accommodation. To arrange your transfer please contact us. Once on Gozo, Peter Pisani will be your host. You can email him at pete@paradisepropertymalta.com or call 00 356 7949627 .

Gozo’s climate Typical of the Mediterranean, long hot summers bring daily averages of twelve sunshine hours, while mild autumn and winters magically transform Gozo into an undulating meadow of flowers, colours and scents. Even in the depths of winter, you’ll still enjoy five to six hours of warm sunshine. Distinctive Gozo Gozo is a truly unique destination. It may be Malta’s smaller relative, but the two islands’ characters are quite distinct. Where Malta is a more urbanised, more developed island, Gozo is refreshingly unspoilt. It remains an island of fishing and farming, where flat-topped hills, old stone farmhouses and peaceful bays punctuate a spectacular and beautiful landscape. Gozo people With a population of around 37,000 and swathes of open land between villages and towns, Gozo is far less dense than Malta. That gives Gozo an air of peace and tranquillity you’ll rarely find elsewhere in the Mediterranean. Gozitans are relatively affluent and a tough, hardworking, self-reliant people. But it is their friendliness, warmth and hospitality that makes a Gozo holiday such a delight.

Knights of Malta | "Old News" by Candace Weddle "Old News" by Candace Weddle Tag Archives: Knights of Malta August 9, 2011 · 10:06 am The Old City of Mdina, Malta After a somewhat rough passage through the Straits of Messina (passing between the legendary twin dangers of Scylla and Charybdis, as you may remember from my post about Segesta, Sicily), our next stop was the island of Malta. Having dreamed of visiting this spot for many years, I was hoping that it would prove a highlight of the voyage, and I was not disappointed! A first view of Malta, from a bus window Malta, which became a Republic in 1974 after securing its independence from the UK 10 years prior, is a relatively small spot in the middle of the Mediterranean, measuring a mere 232 square miles. It is fairly crowded, however, with about 3,400 people per each of those miles(!), making it the seventh most densely populated country in the world.

Its citizens speak two official languages: English and Maltese, in which Semitic (70%) and Latin (30%) roots are mixed, reflecting the history of this small country lying midway between North Africa and Europe. The nation is actually an archipelago composed of 21 islands, only three of which are inhabited. The main island, Malta, hosts just over 400,000 people, while the next largest of the group, Gozo, is home to approximately 30,000. The third inhabited island, Comino, boasts a population of only four: 1 policeman, 1 priest, and the 2 citizens they serve, who both must feel fairly well-protected in every sense of the word! The number of people on the island has recently swelled, as Malta has generously volunteered to serve as a staging point for the evacuation of refugees fleeing the violence in Libya. China, India and other nations have sent planes to retrieve their citizens, and many of the operations have been run from airfields on Malta. This provision of assistance to those in need seems a fitting continuation of the work of the well-known Knights of Malta (see more below).

Our focus was primarily on the ancient and medieval history of the island. Settled as early as 1500 BC, and boasting impressive prehistoric megalithic temple remains that I will discuss in a later entry, the island had been established as a Phoenician trading post by the 6th century B.C. The Romans took possession in 218 B.C. and gave the island the name Melita, from the Latin for “honey” (mel), perhaps in reference to the rich golden color of the stone quarried here, which is still used as the primary building material for most structures. The Romans considered Melita a part of their province of Sicily until it became its own municipium (along with the smaller island of Gozo) in the second century A.D, a status that gave its citizens greater rights and responsibilities. According to the Bible, Paul was shipwrecked on Malta and remained here for three months, during which time he healed many sick individuals (Acts 27:27-28:10); as a result, the population was converted to Christianity as early as 60 A.D. View from Mdina to St.

Paul City, where the Apostle is said to have come ashore after the shipwreck. As was the case with many of the islands in the Mediterranean, Malta has long held great strategic importance. Despite its lack of important resources such as fresh water, it was therefore a desirable piece of property in many historical periods. The Byzantines owned it for awhile, but it was eventually taken by the Arabs in the 9th century. Most famously, the island was later home to the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta. The Knights of Malta, as the group is more commonly known, grew out of the Order of the Knights Hospitallers, a religious order that ran a hospital in Jerusalem dedicated to helping the poor, sick and injured among the pilgrims who traveled to the Holy Land. The Knights of Malta became a military order after the First Crusade and, following the loss of Christian holdings in the Holy Land, moved their base of operations to the island of Rhodes in 1310, and eventually to Malta in 1530. Napoleon expelled the Order from the island in 1798, and it is now headquartered in Rome.

Although the Knights of Malta no longer hold their own territory, and hence have no claims to statehood, they are still viewed under international law as a sovereign body, and as such have been granted permanent Observer Status by the United Nations (an honor they share with the Red Cross and Red Crescent, the International Criminal Court, and the International Olympic Committee). The Order in its current form is made up largely of lay members numbering approximately 13,000, a membership that now includes women as well as men. They are aided by about 80,000 permanent volunteers. The Knights of Malta provide emergency medical relief around the world to victims of natural disasters, war and epidemics, as well as long-term care for those suffering from terminal conditions such as leprosy. Our first stop on Malta was the old city of Mdina, which occupies a high point on the island. It takes its name from the Arabic word medina, literally, “the city.” Most of the structures visible now date to the 13th century and later.

Here are a few of the highlights: The gates of Mdina The building that is now the Natural History Museum was constructed in 1722 as the summer palace of the Grand Master of the Maltese order. The summer palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Malta (now the Natural History Museum) St. Paul's Cathedral (17th century) The Cathedral, not surprisingly dedicated to St. Paul, was constructed in 1697. While we were visiting, preparations were underway for the upcoming Feast of Corpus Christi (June 23 this year), which is why the interior is draped in red damask curtains. The church boasts Murano glass chandeliers and an altar painting by Mattia Preti (1613-1699). Murano glass chandelier in St. Paul Cathedral One of the most striking visual aspects of Mdina is the use of color in the decoration of buildings. The color palette is overseen by local authorities, and is limited to red, green and blue, all in rich tones that beautifully accent the glowing native stone. The result is a very cohesive and attractive face for the city.

Balconies in Mdina A door knocker in Mdina Mdina is a gorgeous and evocative, if somewhat sleepy, walled city that has been largely spared the bustling crowds of the capital of Valletta, about which I will be writing in my next post. Share this: About Malta and Gozo Tsiakas Travel Contact Us About Malta and Gozo: The name Malta really encompasses an archipelago, made up of three islands. The main inhabited island is Malta itself, while the sister isles are Gozo and Comino, the later practically uninhabited although it is the site for a hotel specialising in away-from-it-all holidays. There are no mountains or rivers on the islands. The majority of fields are small and terraced, but despite general lack of rain and other adverse terrain conditions, agriculture is well developed. The Maltese Islands, one of the most charming destinations in the Mediterranean, offer the traveller a unique holiday experience. No other group of islands can offer as much natural beauty, art and architecture, entertainment and activity as Malta can. Everything here is close, unexpected and easily accessible. Thanks to an excellent bus and boat service, visitors can enjoy a variety of different experiences on the same day.

You are never more than a 30 minute car ride from any part of the Island. Blessed with year-round sunshine and set in crystal clear waters, the islands' numerous cultural, artistic and natural treasures are there to be discovered and are all within easy access from wherever one chooses to stay. Malta's outstanding archaeological and architectural heritage will act as an impressive backdrop to all of one's activities - a living testimony of 6,000 years of civilization. The legacy of the various dominations that ruled over the islands throughout the ages can be seen, felt and savoured. The vibrant Maltese culture stems largely from the Islands' history of domination. Over the centuries it has been ruled by the Arabs, Normans, Romans and the Knights of St John to name but a few, and its culture takes its influences from Europe and Britain, as well as from the widespread prevalence of the Roman Catholic Church. Whether one seeks action or relaxation, tranquility or excitement, one can find it all in Malta. For lovers of music, theatre and the arts, Malta boasts an abundant calendar of cultural manifestations and events.

For the sportive visitor, the islands offer golf, tennis, skydiving, horse-riding, and unlimited possibilities for water-sports - from sailing to windsurfing and the best scuba diving in the Mediterranean. As a modern, European destination Malta and Gozo offer everything that one would expect – from stunning beaches and beautiful churches, to world-class eateries and fun-filled cultural activities. Additionally, it is its Mediterranean passion that keeps visitors coming back – in the same way they have done since the dawn of time. © 2014-2015 Copyright Tsiakas Travel. The Maltese Islands Travel Guide to the island of Malta The Maltese Islands Covering an area of no more than 316km² (78,052 acres), the Maltese islands are situated in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea. About 300km (186 miles) north of Libya and 93km (58 miles) south of Sicily, this island group is made up of three inhabited islands, Malta, Gozo, and Comino and two small uninhabited islets, Cominotto and Filfla.

There is an enormous wealth of history to be explored on these ancient islands. They have been subject to numerous invasions and occupations over the centuries by forces ranging from the Normans to, most recently, the British. From 1530 to 1798 the islands were owned and ruled by the Knights of the Order of St John whose influence can be seen in the architecture and the strong religious tradition among the Maltese. With more than a third of their national income derived from tourism, these islands have a lot to offer the traveller. Horse-riding, archery, golf, as well as a number of water sports can all be enjoyed here. With numerous white sand beaches, protected bays and lagoons, fascinating historical architecture and warm, welcoming people, the Maltese islands, truly are, a Mediterranean paradise. The Maltese islands usually experience their peak season during the summer months, from May until September. However, they offer something to the traveller all the year round. Beyond the summer months so popular with mass tourism, Malta still offers year-round sunny weather, while its rich history and culture go well beyond the trademark island vacation of just sun and sea.

The Maltese archipelago consists of Malta (the mainland island), Gozo (smaller, more rural sister island), Comino (a very small island, possessing a hotel, only used as a holiday resort), Cominotto and Filfa. (See map) The Maltese archipelago is situated in the middle of the Mediterranean, with the largest inhabited island, Malta, lying 93km (58 miles) south of Sicily and 290km (180 miles) from North Africa. There are five Maltese islands, three of which are inhabited. Malta is the largest of the five with an area of 320km² (122 miles²). Gozo is the second largest (67km²/26 miles²). Next in size is Comino with a size of 3km² (1 mile²). Southwest of Malta lies two islets, Filfla and Gominotto. The geography of Malta is characterised by limestone plateaus. It is an arid, rocky landscape with no mountains, rivers or lakes. The landscape is characterised by low hills with terraced fields. Malta has no mountains or rivers.

Its coastline is indented with harbours, bays, creeks, sandy beaches and rocky coves. Gozo is connected to Malta by ferry and is more thickly vegetated, with many flat-topped hills and craggy cliffs. Although a number of excellent beaches can be found scattered along the coastline, it is predominantly rocky. The coastline on the southern side of the island has several natural bays. The subsoil on Gozo is more water-retentive, with the result that it is far greener and more fertile than Malta. Most of the country’s food is produced on this island. The islands’ soil is generally thin and rocky, yielding very little flora. The main exception is Buskett Gardens, a lush valley of trees and orange groves protected by the imposing Dingli Cliffs on the southwestern coast of Malta. AREA: 316 sq km (122 sq miles). POPULATION: 376,513 (1997, excluding non-Maltese). POPULATION DENSITY: 1189.0 per sq km. CAPITAL: Valletta. Population: 7146 (1997).

TIME: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). ELECTRICITY: 240 volts AC, 50Hz. UK-style 3-pin plug are in use. The electric current is usually 240 volts (650 cycles). Square fitting three pin plugs (British style) are used, so remember to bring an adapter for all two pin appliances. You must log in to post a comment. Malta Welcome to Malta. It will take your breath away. The Maltese Archipelago is made up of four islands - Malta, Gozo and Comino are inhabited, Filfla is not. There are other smaller islands, Cominotto and St Paul's, which are also uninhabited. The Maltese Islands cover an area of 316 square kilometres. (Malta 246, Gozo 67, Comino 2.7). The population of the islands is close to 400,000. MALTA Malta is the largest island in the archipelago.

The longest distance on the island, from the southeast to the northwest is some 27kms; its widest point, east to west, is 14.5kms. Malta has neither rivers nor mountains, but is characterized by a series of low, flat-topped hills with terraced fields on their slopes. Malta’s coastline is well indented with harbours, bays, creeks, several sandy beaches and rocky coves. Malta is the more urban and cosmopolitan of the islands. It has every amenity from modern residential and commercial areas to a vibrant nightlife and numerous leisure options. While the Grand Harbour area and most of the central-eastern region are built up, the countryside to the North is rugged and sparsely populated. Capital: Valletta, also the capital of the Republic of Malta. Airport: Malta International Airport, 10kms from Valletta. Seaports: Grand Harbour and Marsaxlokk. GOZO Gozo is smaller than its sister island Malta, and has a character of its own. The Island is more rural and quiet. The countryside is greener and has some spectacular cliffs and inland scenery.

The flat-topped hills here are more evident than in Malta, and give an idea of the way all the Islands would have looked in prehistoric times. Gozo’s coastline has picturesque bays, coves and rugged cliffs penetrated by steep gorges hewn by rivers in the ice age. Gozo is 14.5kms long and 7.2kms wide at its widest point. A regular ferry service carries passengers and cars between Malta and Gozo. The trip takes about 30 minutes. Capital: Victoria, also known by its older name, Rabat. Airport: There is no airport in Gozo, but there is a heliport at Xewkija. Seaport: Mgarr. COMINO Comino is the smallest inhabited island in the archipelago, with a single family boasting living year round on the archipelago's third island, welcoming an influx of seasonal residents and guests from spring to early autumn.

Situated in the middle of the 4km-long channel between Malta and Gozo, the Island is unspoilt and quiet - totally car-free, the only noise you'll hear on Comino will be shrieks of glee from the bathers and boats dropping anchor outside the more popular beaches. The Island's numerous bays, its world-famous Blue Lagoon and its crystal clear waters make it the perfect choice for a truly sun-soaked lazy day, discovering its numerous coves and inlets, or simply a spot of swimming, snorkelling and loads of underwater photography. Comino island in Malta: travel guide and tips You are here: Home » Comino island Comino island in Malta: travel guide and tips Rate my article: (5 votes) Loading... Comino or Kemmuna (in Maltese), is a very small (and very peaceful) island midway between the islands of Malta and Gozo . It’s inhabited by a handful of people and is mostly visited by tourists for a day trip while some of the more adventurous Maltese people like to visit Comino to camp or hike across the island.

Named after the plentiful cumin (flowering plant) that grows on the island, Comino is thick with wild herbs and flowers, with the entire island classified as a wildlife sanctuary nowadays. It is a rocky wilderness, with jagged cliffs, two small sandy beaches, coves, creeks and a coastline dotted with deep caves. And of course, Comino island is known for the famous Blue Lagoon bay with its crystal clear and azure-coloured water. Home to just a handful of farmers, Comino has no tarmacked roads (and only a handful of cars) and is only 2 km long by 1.7km wide. The island offers a complete change of pace from the neighbouring islands of Malta and Gozo and is a great place to go for a day trip, or even to spend part of your holiday if peace and tranquillity are what you’re after.

Quick facts Comino is Malta’s third largest island Land area: 3.5 km2 (1.4 sq m) Located between main island Malta and Gozo Population: 4 Protected nature reserve and bird sanctuary Backdrop of the famous Blue Lagoon, a bay with crystal clear azure water No tarmacked roads, only a few cars Only a handful of buildings, among which a hotel, watch tower, chapel and a deserted farm Great for: Snorkeling, diving and rambling Search Subscribe for FREE Malta travel tips! SUBSCRIBE! Success! Please confirm your subscription in the email I just sent you! Holiday essentials 101+ Things to do in Malta and Gozo Is it worth going to Comino on my trip to Malta? For most travellers, the answer is a definite ‘Yes.’ However, it really depends on what sparks your interest and most importantly, at what time of the year you plan to go. Why? Comino’s main attraction and reason to visit is the Blue Lagoon. It’s a highly popular tourist hot spot, which means that in peak season (July and August), it will be swarming with people.

If you’re more interested in exploring the island as a whole, you’re better off going outside of peak season (July, August and usually September still as well). Not because of crowding, but because of the scorching summer sun. No fun to be out walking at that time and with such little shade to be found. So, if you’re travelling to Malta in July or August, the only reasons it’d be worth going are: You love sun and sea and don’t mind crowded places You want to have seen it and swam there once, so you can tick it off your travel bucket list. If neither of those reasons apply to you, visit Gozo instead – more to see and do, much less busy. During April through November – YES, it’s worth going although be aware that swimming isn’t always possible during that period (really only from June into October). Travelling to Malta? Get FREE travel tips! Receive FREE email updates with Malta travel tips full of local knowledge! YES, count me in! Success! Please confirm your subscription in the email I just sent you!

Accommodation and hotels on Comino There’s only one hotel on the island and is situated at San Niklaw Bay, the pick-up and drop-off point for visitors from Malta and Gozo. The Comino Hotel (yes, that’s its very original name) offers decent rooms at a modest price, although, as one TripAdvisor reviewer says “It’s not the Ritz”. It offers bright rooms and bungalows with simple furniture but good facilities and will do just fine if you’re not looking for a 5-star resort. Get more info on rates and availability for the hotel here. In any case, you wouldn’t choose to stay in Comino for a length of time if you’re looking for a “lazy hotel holiday” with all the comfort and more of your daily life. It’s also unlikely you’d be looking to stay there for weeks. If you’d like to just visit Comino and explore (or simply escape the inhabited world for a couple of days) you could always book a few nights in combination with a stay in Malta and/or Gozo. There are two small sandy beaches, exclusively accessible to hotel guests, as well as two large swimming pools, one for adults and another for children.

The hotel also offers water sports facilities that include diving and windsurfing and there are also ten tennis courts to choose from as well as a fully equipped gym, restaurant and bar. Book well in advance (6+ months) if you’re looking to stay here during peak season (July-August) as it’ll be hard to impossible to get a room otherwise. The staff of the hotel seems to be very helpful in making arrangements for airport transfers as well as through their ferry service to and from Malta, so do get in touch with them if you plan on staying there. Tips: Ask for a sea view room if you book directly as the price difference isn’t all that big, especially not for the value received. It’s not a 5-star resort so don’t expect luxury. Although it’s stated as a 4-star hotel, it’s probably less than that, but for the relatively modest prices charged it’s fine for most. More adventurous? Camp out! If you’re a little more adventurous you could camp out on Comino as well.

There’s a small campsite in the North of the island, overlooking the beautiful Santa Marija Bay, which is a great place to go for a swim as well with a small sandy beach offering easy access to the sea. You’ll also find facilities there like public toilets and a stone BBQ if you’d like to give that a go and you don’t need a permit to camp there. As far as I’m aware there are no regular organised camping trips to Comino but if you’re set on camping out there for a couple of days your best bet is to mingle with the Maltese in relevant Facebook groups to see whether you can tag along with anyone or organise a trip with a few local campers. In case you hadn’t read my article about the Maltese yet, they’re generally very friendly and welcoming, speak English well (it’s one of the country’s official languages, next to Maltese of course) and they’re very active on Facebook. These are a few open groups on camping around the Maltese islands: Getting There You can get to Comino through the regular ferry service from Cirkewwa (the Northern most tip of Malta) and from Mgarr Harbour (on Gozo).

The crossing to Comino takes around 25 minutes and costs around 10 Euro for a round trip. The stop on Comino is usually at San Niklaw Bay, on the north side of the island. The Comino Hotel also runs its own ferry service to and from Malta and Gozo. Although priority is given to the hotel guests, non-residents can also use it. From the main tourist areas on Malta ( Sliema and Buġibba ) you’ll also be able to find ferry/boat trip services to the island during the summer month, at varying rates. You’ll definitely be paying more (20 to 25 Euro usually) and the crossing will inevitably take longer, but it’s worth avoiding a relatively lengthy bus trip and THEN having to hop on a boat. Suggestions for operators that cross between Cirkewwa and Comino: (Disclaimer: None of these companies paid to be mentioned, my recommendations are based on personal and friends’ experiences.) Food Lunch can be had at the hotel, even if you’re not actually staying there. Boats berthed near the Blue Lagoon or San Niklaw Bay will often be able to sell you cold drinks and food as well.

6 Points of interest in Comino Two words: Blue Lagoon. Just look at that. Look! Santa Marija Bay, located on the North side of Comino, is considered the second best place for picnics and swimming on Comino Island, after the Blue Lagoon. The Bay offers a lovely beach and perfect waters for snorkelling and scuba diving. Comino bungalows are also located here and, as mentioned above, there’s a campsite with facilities. Very peaceful and quiet nevertheless. Santa Marija Caves – The beauty of the cave’s blue waters make this the perfect spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. Santa Marija Cave can be also reached through a tunnel from Santa Marija Bay. Located in the North of the island, San Niklaw Bay is the access point for Comino Hotels ferry and the hotel located here offers also a small sandy beach for its clients. This is also a good starting point for a pleasant walk around the edge of the island’s cliffs. St. Mary’s Chapel is dedicated to the Return of Our Lady from Egypt and mass is held (in Maltese) on Saturdays (4:30pm) and Sundays (5:45am).

As you can imagine, it’s a pretty small building and not really worth visiting during other times. It’s located nearby the campsite. Santa Marija Tower – One of Malta’s watch towers built in the 17th century, recently restored and open to the public on specific days/times. More info below. The Blue Lagoon Things to do Wandering around Comino on foot or by bike If you enjoy hiking or mountain biking , there are plenty of paths to follow on Comino, and although the scenery knows few landmarks you’ll definitely enjoy the views on your hike. If you’re planning a hike on Comino, make sure you have good, comfortable walking shoes (no sandals), hat, sunglasses sunscreen and plenty of water. There are no dangerous animals, however, Maltese summers are hot and it is not advisable to wander around on your own, despite the relatively limited surface area the island offers for hiking. Timing is essential. The best time to visit Comino for a hike is definitely springtime when everything is in bloom. Mid-summer hikes are rarely a good idea. It won’t take you long to hike across the whole island, maybe an hour or two.

If you prefer two wheels, the hotel rents out mountain bikes I’ve been told.Don’t worry about getting lost. Apart from the small size of the island, the Santa Marija tower is visible from most parts of Comino so you’ll always have a reference point. Thinking of going for a hike during the off-season months? Have a look at this suggested walking route, courtesy of visitgozo.com Exploring Comino‘s cliffs and caves Comino is surrounded by natural caves and dramatic, high cliffs which are awesome. There’s a tour by power boat that takes you around these caves, but several day trip operators will also stop at some of these sites. Scuba diving and snorkelling The clear waters of the Mediterranean are perfect for scuba diving or snorkelling and Malta is a very popular diving holiday destination. Diving in Comino is something special because of the warm, turquoise water and secluded coves. The Blue Lagoon is an ideal location for scuba divers to explore the caves that are hidden from above the sea surface and admire the rich marine life in the area. Diving conditions are excellent all around the coastline, and a recommended location not to miss is the coral reef that is located near the small islet of Kemmunett.

The Santa Marija Cave is also a very popular dive site, where you can dive among shoals of bream. The dive site is not accessible by land but the diving centres on Malta and Gozo organise excursions to the site regularly. History of Comino From being a defensive outpost to being a hideaway for corsairs, to being used for agriculture, Comino has served various purposes to those who ruled the Maltese islands over the centuries. During Roman times, the island was known to have been inhabited by farmers, while during the rule of the Knights of Malta its main purpose was for recreation and used for recreational hunting. Wild boar and rabbits inhabited Comino when the Knights arrived in 1530 (the latter species still do nowadays), the area was protected under strict sanctions. Anyone caught hunting illegally were harshly punished with serving as a galley slave for up to three years. Comino was never really populated until more recent times, simply because it was considered unsafe with little or no protection against corsairs.

The Maltese had been looking to make Comino an inhabited island for centuries when the Knights decided to build a watch tower in 1618 to help as an early warning system and deterrent for any invaders looking to set foot in Malta. Although it helped increase security, it didn’t seem to entice people to settle in Comino until the 18th century. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Comino served as a secluded prison or place of exile for knights who had fallen out of grace for one reason or another. Knights who had committed small crimes were also sometimes punished with having to man Santa Marija tower – a lonely punishment and not without risk. The island may have served as a place of isolation during the early 19th century when cholera and the plague were still highly lethal. Santa Marija tower is thought to have served as a hospital during this time. Santa Marija Watch Tower Although this tiny island bears few marks of civilisation, there’s a small number of historical buildings. These include Santa Marija (St.

Mary) Tower, one of Malta’s coastal watch towers, which is located on the south-east side of the island and can be seen from the ferry when crossing from Malta to Gozo. Quick facts Built in 1618 under Grand Master de Wignacourt One of 6 built in this period, of which 4 remain intact 12 metres tall, 6-metre thick walls Perched on the edge of Comino’s high cliffs, and with the turquoise sea and Blue Lagoon in the background, Santa Marija Tower has one of the most dramatic and beautiful backdrops that photography enthusiasts will love. The tower is a square building, roughly 12 metres tall, with defensive walls that are approximately 6 metres thick, and is perched at the top of a cliff on the edge of the island, around 80 metres above sea level. Built in 1618 on the orders of Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt of the Knights of St John, its original function was to keep watch for the Turkish enemy who were a constant threat to Malta at this time.

The Tower fortified the island and also discouraged the bands of pirates using the island’s many caves and inlets to hide out and board unsuspecting ships passing between Malta and Gozo. The tower also served as a communication link between towers built in Gozo and Malta within the larger scheme of fortifications around the Maltese islands. As time passed and Malta enjoyed a period of relative peace, the tower’s role changed and it was used as a summer residence for those knights who were keen to hunt the wild hares. In 1798, following the French Invasion of the Maltese Islands, the tower was used by the Maltese resistance and later by the British. It was always used as a defensive position but fell into disuse at the end of the 19th century. The tower became more famous when in 2002 it was used to represent the prison Chateau d’If in the movie “The Count of Monte Cristo” starring Jim Caviezel.

It was most recently restored in an extensive operation between 2002 and 2004 and is open to the public as a small museum during specific hours, usually on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 10:30am and 3pm from April until the end of October. My tips and recommendations for Comino Unless you’re really pressed for time, don’t plan to visit both Comino and Gozo on the same day – You’ll see too little of either to make it worth it. If you have to choose one or the other you’ll probably get more value out of visiting Gozo. I’d definitely recommend paying a visit to, and getting up on top of the tower for a breathtaking view of the surroundings. Although specific opening hours are set (see above) it’s always wise to ask around to get confirmation before you go to Comino. Comino offers more beautiful locations apart from the Blue Lagoon where snorkelling and scuba diving are worth your while. So either bring along your goggles and snorkel on your day trip or arrange for a diving excursion with a reputable operator in Malta.

Rate my article: About Malta | Formosa Real Estate - Property Malta Search my Property About Malta MALTA lies virtually in the centre of the Mediterranean sea. 96 KM away from Sicily and 290Km away from North Africa. The republic of Malta consists of four Islands – Malta Gozo – Comino which are inhabited whilst Filfla is not. (Filfla is protected by law as a natural reserve). These four Islands cover a total area of 316 square km and the total population of the Islands was estimated to be around 403,000 until some time ago. Malta has neither mountains nor rivers. The Island is characterised by a series of low hills with terraced fields on the slopes. Malta’s coastline has many harbours, bays, creeks and sandy beaches. Valletta Malta’s Capital city, was built by Jean de Valette, French Grand Master of the Order of the Knights of St John after the Great Siege of 1565. The capital has a wide variety of historic events and this also reflects some of the Islands rich heritage of archaeology, history, architecture, art and culture.

A walk around the straight and narrow streets of Valletta the visitor would encounter a variety of Chapels, Cathedrals, Museums, galleries, public gardens, Palaces and massive fortifications. These are all evidence of Malta’s rich history and heritage Valletta is considered as our splendid capital and has been listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Malta became Independent in 1964 and a decade later Malta became a Republic. On the 1st of May 2004 Malta joined the European Union. Malta has few natural resources with no traces of mineral or metal deposits and hence has remained unspoilt by heavy industry. The only resources found in abundance are Maltese limestone which has been used by local craftsman through the ages. Their great skill can be seen in some of the magnificent architecture which decorates the Islands. GOZO known as Malta’s sister Island has a character of its own. Gozo is an Island rich in legend with many historic monuments. The Island has its own Capital city Victoria, popularly known as Rabat.

The Island is more relaxed, calmer and quieter then Malta and the countryside is greener, cleaner and picturesque with flat-topped hills which characterise the landscape whilst the coast has rugged cliffs, with steep valleys and beautiful bays. The pace of life on this small Island is very laid back and the people make you feel at home. Gozo is the ideal place to take a break from today’s hectic world and everyday life. Gozo is only 14.5 km long and 7.2 km at its widest point, with a perimeter of 43 km long. COMINO considered as a little paradise is situated between Malta and Gozo and is the smallest inhabited Island in Malta. There are two Hotels and no cars or any other noisy activity to disturb the peace of this Island. The Island has a numerous sandy and rocky beaches and bays with clear crystal waters. Boat trips are operated daily from Malta to Comino during the summer months. THE CLIMATE Malta’s climate is typically Mediterranean with mild winters and some cold sometimes. There are no fogs, snow or frost on these Islands and during the summer months the weather is usually hot, sunny and very dry. During the evening the weather tends to become a little bit cool by the sea.

The hottest period is considered to be from July to Mid September. The total annual rainfall is about 50 cm (20 ins) and the average winter temperature is 12C. (54F). THE PEOPLE The Maltese people are very famous for their warm Hospitability infect they are proud but gentle race as being very friendly and most hospitable in the world. That is one special Characteristic that defines the Maltese people. And this is why visitors feel so relaxed and welcome in Malta. The Maltese are amongst the oldest Christians in the world. The influence of Christianity dates back to 60 AD when St Paul spent three months on the Islands preaching and converting. The account of his shipwreck and his stay in Malta is well documented in the Bible. The majority of Maltese are Catholic but there are also small Anglican, Church of Scotland, Greek, and Orthodox, Jewish and Methodist communities. The Islands Churches (365 in all) are a proof of the love and reverence of the Maltese people. The Churches all over the Island are lavishly decorated, embellished with beautiful stone work, silver ornaments and old paintings.

HISTORY Malta has often been referred to as the Island of sunshine and history and with reason. Recorded history dates back to around 800 BC. However unique ruins of megalithic civilisation show that the Islands were inhabited as far as 5000BC. In fact, historians generally state that the Maltese Islands were an important site for religious pilgrimages in ancient times. An evidence to this is Hagar Qim one of the unique among the Maltese temples. These magnificent remains of which there is no parallel elsewhere in the world, show the highly developed society with exceptional skills who lived on these Islands. The Islands strategic position right between European and Eastern cultures has attracted strong seafaring nations, linking them together as the conquerors of these Maltese Islands. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantine’s, Arabs, Norman’s, Angivin’s, Aragonese, Castillians and the well known Order of St John, the French and finally the British all contributed to Malta’s chequered history.

During World War II the Maltese people showed courage in standing up to the might of the combined forces of Germany and Italy, that King George VI awarded the George Cross, the highest distinction, to the whole nation in appreciation of their fortitude and bravery in facing the enemy. This feeling persisted for a long time urging the Maltese to strive for independence within the commonwealth. This was granted on September 21st , 1964 and on December 13th, 1974 Malta was proclaimed a Republic. On May 1st 2004 Malta joined the European Union and on the 1st January 2008 Malta joined the Euro Zone. CURRENCY Malta joined the Euro zone on 1st May 2008. Cash, travellers and Euro cheques can be exchanged at banks, foreign exchange, most hotels and restaurants. TIME Malta is on Central European time (CET) that is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in winter and two hours from the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday of October. LANGUAGE The Island’s official Language is Maltese.

Maltese is a Semitic language similar to Levantine Arabic and written in the Roman script with many words of French, English and Italian origin. English is nearly spoken by everyone and Italian and German is also widely spoken. COST OF LIVING As compared to other European countries, Malta is considered to have the lowest cost of living. All everyday stuff like food and other stuff like clothing and furniture are reasonably priced. SCHOOLS Education in our schools is of very high standard compared to other European countries. Malta has a free-state school system. There are also many private and church schools were lessons are taught in English. The curriculum is very closely aligned to the British system with students sitting for their O’Levels and A’Levels. SPORTS CLUBS AND FACILITIES The Island of Malta has plenty of clubs associated with water sports. There are many scuba diving and sailing schools, motor sports, rugby, golf and the Island also offers various yacht marinas, boat repair yards, yacht chandlers, yacht service and brokers. For further information contact our office. HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE Travellers do not normally require certificates of vaccination or inoculations to enter the Maltese Islands. Medical services are very good, equipped with modern facilities.

Private medical care is also available and apart from general practitioner services there are a number of small private hospitals and clinics. Private medical insurance companies operating in the UK also operate in Malta. Private medical care is provided at a charge as is the case in respect of non-Maltese citizens treated in Government hospitals. Nationals of the EU countries residing in Malta are entitled to free Public health care in accordance with entitlements, as determined from time to time by the Ministry of Health. This has to be confirmed with and certified by the Entitlement Unit with the Minister of Health. All applicants must be in possession of the E-form meaning that they are entitled to Healthcare and the social security registration in their country of origin. Temporary visitors (less than 1 year stay) from EU countries and EEA State members have access to Health care from public funded health clinics upon presentation of the E –card (European Health Insurance card). DRIVING Driving is on the left. There is a speed limit of 40mph (65km) on a bypass and 30 mph (50km) in urban areas. All International driving licences are recognised. Third party insurance is advisable. FLYING TIMES/ENQIRIES

Question: Which is the third inhabited island in the group with Malta and Gozo?
Answer: Comino